Abstract

This paper presents the moisture diffusion characteristics of autoclave moulded T300-914C unidirectional composite specimens hygrothermally conditioned at 85% RH and 70'C till saturation to 1.5% moisture content. In all, pin bearing strength test specimens of three different layup sequences viz. [45/03/ A 45/03/90/0],, [0/ 4 45/9012s and [45/02/45/03/45/0], were studied. All the test specimens exhibited Fickian Diffusion behaviour. It was further found that the Diffusion coefficient (D,) value of the composites increased with increase in the cut edge surface area and the values obtained compared well with those reported in literature. The difference in D, values obtained for different layup sequences was attributed to tortuousity caused by fibre orientations.